Mr. Smith He Ain’t

Ted Cruz is reportedly about to take to the Senate floor for what can most charitably be called a mock filibuster. We’re still sorting out the particulars, but it appears that under the rules governing the Senate’s current debate, on the continuing resolution that would either defund Obamacare or shutdown the government, a true talking filibuster is not permitted.

Cruz may be able to talk for quite a while, but it’s not a filibuster. The technical term for it is … grandstanding. You can watch here.

Late Update: Cruz began speaking at approximately 2:41 p.m. ET., announcing that he would continue “until I am no longer able to stand.”Correction: I initially wrote that the Cruz’s speech could cut into the GOP’s allocated 15 hours for the debate. That’s not right. The 30 hours of debate on the continuing resolution to find the government — with 15 hours allocated to each side — begins with the cloture vote tomorrow.